By K.R. Nayar
It was a book launch rendered
unforgettable by the passionate cricket lovers of Rajkot, the city that gave
India its very first Test cap holder, Amar Sinh. The book, 318 Whispers
of the Indian Test Cap, authored by me and conceptualised by Gopal Jasapara,
was unveiled amid much warmth and reverence.
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| The launch of 318 Whispers of the Indian Test Cap by Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja and Sitanshu Kotak in the presence of Niranjan Shah, Jaydev Shah, Himanshu Shah and Karan Shah at the Niranjan Shah stadium. |
It was an honour to have our book
unveiled by Team India captain Shubman Gill, along with coach Gautam Gambhir
and Rajkot’s favourite, Ravindra Jadeja, on January 13, 2026. Set against the
iconic backdrop of the Niranjan Shah Stadium, on the eve of the second
India–New Zealand ODI, the moment was made possible mainly due to the
wholehearted support of Saurashtra Cricket Association officials Niranjan Shah
and his son Jaydev Shah.
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Karsan Ghavri releases the book along with Dr Deepak Sheth, Harshad Mehta, Kashyap Chotai, Anil Thakrar, D V Mehta, Sudeep Mehta and Sudhir Tanna |
This was followed by a colourful
function held at Dr C J Desai Mahavir Bhavan Hall, where the legendary Indian
all-rounder Karsan Ghavri formally launched the book. The hall, adorned with
posters of all the 318 Test cap winners, stood as a tribute to Indian cricket
history.
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The decorated venue for the book launch
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Addressing the gathering, Ghavri said:
“This is a must-read book because of the number of unknown and very interesting
facts about India’s Test players. It can inspire youngsters by showing how, out
of millions of cricketers, only these 318 earned the Test cap. Test cricket is
the greatest format in the game, and the cap is the ultimate glory. The tales
of these players and their deeds are, in fact, the history of Indian cricket. I
appreciate Gopal for conceiving such a concept and Nayar for writing and
presenting us with a special book.”
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Portraits of all 318 Test cap winners adorn the venue
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A particularly touching moment was when
Amar Sinh’s grandson, Shailesh Vijay Sinh, was honoured by Ghavri, who wrapped
a shawl around him in recognition of the legacy his grandfather had left
behind.
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| Karsan Ghavri honours Amar Sinh's grandson, Shailesh Vijaysinh, and his wife |
The presence of many former Saurashtra cricketers, several of whom have
featured in close to 100 Ranji Trophy matches, made the occasion nostalgic.
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| Sunil Gavaskar believes 318 will be a refreshing read |
This book has received an overwhelming
response from cricketing greats, both from India and across the world, lending
further stature to the project. Sunil Gavaskar, a man who redefined batting
excellence and has set numerous world records, said in a video message: “It
will be a really interesting book, as KR, with his inimitable style, will bring
out some unknown facets of these players that will be refreshing for readers.
Well done, and all the best for more books in the future.”
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Dilip Vengsarkar urges budding cricketers to read 318 and get motivated
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Dilip Vengsarkar, remembered for his
elegance and match-winning knocks, remarked: “There are more than 300 stories
from the history of Indian Test cricket. This book will be a bestseller, and I
feel all state associations must buy it for their youngsters. These days, young
players do not know much about the history of Indian cricket, and reading this
book will motivate them to do better.”
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| Daniel Vettori is confident 318 will be a special book |
Former New Zealand skipper Daniel
Vettori, who through his silky action would produced deceptive deliveries,
feels that this book is special, and remarked: “The little-known facts will
motivate youngsters. I am sure this book will be a huge success.”
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Dinesh Karthik says 318 will be a definite success
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A popular
cricket analyst these days, and a former Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh
Karthik, who is known to be a keen student of history, observed: “This
book speaks about all of Team India’s Test caps over the years. Anything
connected to history is always interesting, and Indian cricket history makes it
even more intriguing. It will be a definite success.”
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| Pravin Amre urges everyone to read 318 |
A former Indian batter and coach Pravin
Amre said: “I am proud and honoured to be part of this book as a Test player. I
urge everyone to read it because it carries the history of Indian cricket and
will surely inspire young, budding cricketers.”
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| Aakash Chopra urges cricket fans to grab 318 at the earliest |
Echoing the sentiment, former
India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra said: “This book takes you on a
journey through the history of Indian cricket and the players who represented
India at the highest level. History helps us understand how we reached where we
are today. Gopal and Nayar have captured this beautifully. Every cricketer must
grab this book.”
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Sai Sudarshan remarks 318 is a must read
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India’s promising star Sai Sudarshan
expressed his delight, saying: “I am really proud to be part of this wonderful
book on 318 Test cricketers. I hope youngsters read it and draw motivation from
it.”
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Harbhajan Singh launches the dummy copy in Abu Dhabi
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Harbhajan Singh, who initially thought his Test cap number was 232 and
later realised it was 215 while releasing the dummy copy of the book in Abu
Dhabi, said: “It is really great to see that someone has taken the effort to
write about all the Indian Test cricketers. It is a good read, and this is
absolutely brilliant.”
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Piyush Chawla with the dummy version
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India’s leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, after
closely studying the book, said: “It’s a wonderful compilation on all the
cricketers who represented India in Test cricket. A lot of effort has gone into
covering each and every player. Please keep making many more books like
this.”
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318 is the history of Indian Test cricket, says Nikhil Chopra
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Nikhil Chopra, a former India spinner
and now commentator, added that the book comprehensively captures “all 318
players, the events surrounding them, and the history of India’s Test cricket.”
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Murali Vijay considers 318 as a noble effort
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Murali Vijay, who has opened the innings
for India on numerous occasions, called it an honour and privilege to hold the
book. “From the first cap winner Amar Sinhji to every player who followed,
their efforts are documented here. I am privileged to be part of this book. It
is a fantastic job and a noble effort.”
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| T.A. Sekar feels 318 will be an oustanding book |
From Chennai, former Indian pacer and
coach T A Sekar said: “I am sure this book will be outstanding. I am eagerly
looking forward to reading about all 318 players who have represented India.”
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| Madanlal acknowledges that 318 is a reflection of a huge effort |
Indian all-rounder Madan Lal, expressing
his opinion, said: “Congratulations on the release of this book, and like your
excellent efforts for the game over the years, this book will be a success.”
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Salil Ankola describes 318 as a well-made book
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Indian pacer Salil Ankola described the book as “nicely presented,
beautifully illustrated, glossy, and truly awesome,” adding that readers would
find it “interesting, intriguing, and informative.”
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Chetan Sharma reflects on why 318, the book on Test cricketers, matters
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Indian allrounder Chetan Sharma said: "People should know who are the 318 that played for the country out of the millions of people. In T20 cricket 318 players may play in two years but in Test cricket only so many could get to play and that is why it is called Test cricket because players are tested in this format and you need tremendous skills and abilities. So congratulations on bringing out a book on them."
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According to David East, 318 will be a treasured possession for cricket lovers
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David East, a former Essex wicketkeeper
and CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board, speaking from England, said: “Cricket is
more than just a sport; it is an all-consuming passion for those who love it.
This book captures that spirit beautifully, with stunning illustrations and
richly detailed biographies of every cricketer who has worn the India Test cap.
It will be a treasured item in any cricket library and a proud centrepiece on
the coffee tables of cricket-loving homes everywhere. I am sure this book will
stand as an invaluable resource for students who follow Indian cricket, while
offering pure joy to anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the depth,
detail, and history of the game.”
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| Moeen Ali encourages readers to buy 318 |
It was delightful to receive a message
from England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who said: “I have great news for everyone.
A book has been put together on Test cap winners since 1932 of a country that
has huge passion and love for the game. Those who love the game and are huge
cricket fans will really enjoy the read, so do get the book.” Renowned coach
Mickey Arthur said: “I am sure this book is going to be a resounding success.”
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| Kieron Pollard shares his views on 318 |
West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard
noted: “This book is indeed a unique concept because every Indian will like to
read the little-known facts about their players. I am sure this book will
motivate youngsters through the stories of each and every player, and it is
going to be a huge success.”
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The team behind the production of the book comes together after the launch
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Ultimately, 318 Whispers of the Indian
Test Cap is far more than a book—it is a living chronicle of dreams realised,
sacrifices made, and histories written in whites. From Amar Sinh to the modern
greats, it binds generations through stories that might otherwise have faded
into silence. In celebrating every Test cap winner equally, the book reminds us
that Indian cricket’s greatness lies not merely in records and trophies, but in
the collective journey of those 318 men who wore the cap with pride,
perseverance, and purpose—leaving behind whispers that will echo through the
ages. |
| Gopal Jasapara speaks on how he conceptualised this book |
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| Yours sincerely addresses the gathering |
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